For IMPORTANT Final Notes on the Challenge, scroll to the end.
For this week’s message of inspiration, read on:
“Everything in the country, animate and inanimate, seems to whisper, be serene, be kind, be happy. We grow tolerant there unconsciously.”
— Fanny Fern, 1853
Easier said than done in these bewildering times.
In this final week of our Sizzlin’ Summer Challenge, you’re making your way through an astonishing back-to-school conundrum. On this Labor Day a celebration of your talent has never been more pertinent.
When we chose “Turn it around” as our last challenge, we never expected the world to look as it does today. But here we are…
The idea of a cloud having a silver lining was coined by John Milton in 1634, but it didn’t become proverbial until an unlikely mid-19th century influencer made it popular.
Sarah Willis Parton was once the highest paid writer in America (circa 1850-1870) under the name Fanny Fern. A Boston legend, she made a living helping motivate others to pursue their dreams. She was a widowed single mother who’d also lost her parents, her sisters and a child in rapid succession. To cope, she entered a desperate marriage with an abusive man. She fled that man to protect her two girls which left her destitute and her reputation tarnished. So what does the daughter of a journalist do? She made up a pen name and sold a witty, assertive, motivational column on how to overcome adversity, being her own expert. To her surprise, it paid the bills, and she found herself launched into a storied career.
In Sara’s case, the pen was indeed mighty.
Finding your silver lining in your heroic efforts to reopen schools may seem unlikely, but this kind of wisdom and strength as a school employee is what you’ve always been called toward. Saving lives is simply what you do, your labor of love, and kindness is your sword. You have always been and are forevermore our superstars. So…
When the tango of staying vs running engulf you in indecision;
When the protective gear runs out and the “asks” begin to crumple you;
When you can’t possibly smack your forehead one more time in disbelief…
Take 2-3 DEEP breaths, relax your shoulders and remember we’ve never done this before. It’s ok to flail a little while you catch yourself. But catch yourself, you will. We know you. We’ve seen your magic time and again.
You are pioneers forging ahead in an epic journey. Though you may be “in the belly of the whale” at the moment, you have what it takes to build a way out, of that we are certain. There is a light ahead and it is you. It won’t be easy, but you will be there on the other side a fighter, stronger than ever.
And we are with you all the while.
Take it directly from the queen of style and inspiration herself:
“Never despair. No, Never! Every cloud has a silver lining; and she who wove it knows when to turn it out. So, after every night, however long or dark, there shall yet come a golden morning. Your noblest powers are never developed in prosperity.
Any bark may glide in smooth water, with a favoring gale; but that is a brave, skillful oarsman who rows up stream, against the current, with adverse winds, and no cheering voice…
Keep your head above the wave; let neither sullen despair nor weak vacillation drag you under. Heed not the poisoned arrow of sneaking treachery that whizzes past you from the shore…
The clusters of Hope may be seen with the eye of faith; your hand shall yet grasp them; your eyes revel, from the mountain top, over the green pastures and still waters of peace. You shall yet unbuckle your dusty armor, while soft breezes shall fan your victor temples.”
— Sara Willis Parton, aka, Fanny Fern, Nil desperandum, 1853 , from the collection: Fern Leaves From Fanny’s Portfolio
We have faith in you and are cheering for you 1000%! And thank you. It just can’t be said enough.
See you on The PATH Ahead,
Gillian, Shevonne, Amy, Ashley and the VEHI PATH Team.
Three KEY POINTERS to Finish the Summer Challenge for PATHpoints:
- Before submitting your Game Card, be sure to write down both your Facebook Profile and your PATH account names (if they don’t match). If we can’t find you, we can’t award your points!
- Be sure your Facebook posts are properly labeled with the week number so we can find and track them.
- Put up all posts on Facebook and mail your Game Card to arrive by September 18, 2020 (coming right up!).
DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 18